American Express Business Checking vs Novo: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of American Express Business Checking and Novo — fees, features, ease, support, and which one fits your business. Scored on the same rubric.
Short answer: American Express Business Checking wins on our scorecard (7.7/10 vs 7.4/10).
| Scored on | American Express Business Checking | Novo |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 7 | 7 |
| Ease of use | 8 | 8 |
| Fees & pricing | 9 | 9 |
| Customer support | 7 | 5 |
| Features | 7 | 7 |
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $0 | — |
| Domestic ACH | $0 | — |
| Incoming Wires | $0 | — |
| Minimum Opening Deposit | $0 | — |
| Monthly Fee | — | $0 |
| Minimum Deposit | — | $0 |
| ATM Fee Refunds | — | Unlimited |
| Domestic Wires | — | Free (Incoming) |
American Express Business Checking in one paragraph
A powerhouse for existing Amex loyalists who want to earn passive interest on their cash without the headache of monthly maintenance fees.
Skip it if: You need to deposit physical cash regularly or require Zelle to pay your contractors.
Novo in one paragraph
Novo is a top-tier choice for digital entrepreneurs who want to eliminate fees, provided they don't need to deposit physical cash.
Skip it if: Skip it if your business handles more than $500 in physical cash per month.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, American Express Business Checking or Novo?
On our five-axis scorecard, American Express Business Checking scores higher (7.7/10 vs 7.4/10). A powerhouse for existing Amex loyalists who want to earn passive interest on their cash without the headache of monthly maintenance fees.
Who should skip American Express Business Checking?
You need to deposit physical cash regularly or require Zelle to pay your contractors.
Who should skip Novo?
Skip it if your business handles more than $500 in physical cash per month.